April 20, 2006MINUTES
WEST MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 20, 2006
A regular meeting of the West Memphis CRy Councl was held on Thursday, April Z0, 2006 at
1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 205 S. Redding, West Memphis, Arkansas.
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Prayer was given by Brother Richarti
Fritz, Friend of the 8~' Street Mission and Layman of First Assembly of God Church. Phillip Para,
City Cleric, called the roll. Those present were: Mayor William H. Johnson, City Attorney David
Peeples, City Treasurer Frank Martin, and Councilors, James Holt, Joyce Gray, Lorraine
Robinson, Clarence Davis, Vickie Robertson, Ramona Taylor, Heenan Coleman, Marco
McClendon, and Helen Harris. Absent: Councilor Harold Thomas. Quorum being present, Mayor
Johnson proceeded with the meeting.
Mayor Johnson welcomed the Crittenden County Junior Leadership group who had been at City
Hall all day. Collins Peeples was elected "Mayor" for the day. Ramona Taylor introduced each
student and told what want they were from.
MINUTES
Councilor Robinson reported a typo in the wont "demolition" under Bid Openings and moved,
seconded by Councilor Taylor to dispense with the reading of the minutes of March 16, 2006, and
approve as corrected. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
OLD BUSINES8 None
NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Robinson moved, seconded by Councilor HoR to suspend the rules and for Resolution
R-1, R-2 8 R-3 be read by title only. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
R-1 A Resolution expressing the willingness of the City of West Memphis to utilize federal-aid
monies for the replacement of Bridge No. 19105 over Ten Mile Diversion Ditch on Avondale
Circle.
City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by Councilor
Davis to approve. Discussion was held. Eddie Brawley, Ailing City Engineer said he estimated
the cost to be around $500,000.00. This will be an 8020 grant with the state paying 80% and the
city paying 20%. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and
assigned No. 1834.
R-2 A Resolution authorizing the sale of Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds to Bnance park
and recreation improvements and prescribing other matters relating thereto. ($1,540,000.00)
Councilor Coleman moved, seconded by Councilor Robertson to table the Ordinance indefinitely.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
R-3 A Resolution authorizing the sale of Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds to finance park
and recreation improvements; and prescribing other matters relating thereto. ($1, 745,000.00)
City Attorney Peeples read the Resolution. Councilor Hams moved, seconded by Councilor Holt
to approve. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The Resolution was adopted and
assigned No. 1835.
PERMISSION REQUESTS
Mayor Johnson said the Arkansas Municipal League meeting is scheduled for June 14 -16"',
2006 which falls on the second regular scheduled City Council Meeting. Councilor Davis moved,
seconded by Councilor Robinson to change the City Council Meeting from June 15"' to June 22"d.
Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A&P Commission Councilor Taylor reported they approved replacing the HVAC unit at the
Civic Center and replaang the soundboard at the Auditorium. Channel 17 has been upgraded.
They approved a Resolution supporting the bond issue for park improvements offering one fourth
of one cent.
Airoort Commission Councilor Robinson reported the airport has been contacted by the
American Air Races to be a sight for their 2007 air races. The Commission has put together a
committee to review their proposal. Delta Airport Consultant has completed runwa~ pavement
study. Pre-bid meeting for the taxiway widening project was held Monday, April 17 . FAA is
decommissioning the NDB with GPS.
Fire Commission Councilor Gray reported they discussed uniform sick leave. The fire
employees requested the city comply with state statutes dealing with the uniform sick leave
policy. She also reported the sirens are working, the City Council is invited to an Open House
next month, and reported there is a leak at Station No. 4. Mayor Johnson is to check on the leak.
Public Works Committee They did not have a quorum present at their regular scheduled
meeting. They agreed to meet immediately after the CRy Council meeting for .
Mayor Johnson appointed the following three people to the Library Board to replace Dr. Deneke,
Flo Bollinger, and Estella Norris. The appointments are: Murphy Smith (5 year term), Jafus
Rodgers (5 year term), and Shirt Skobel (1 year term). Councilor Taylor moved, seconded by
Councilor Robinson to approval Mayor Johnson's appointments. Upon voice vote, the voting was
unanimous.
Raymond Jefferson signed up to speak but was not preserrt. Mayor Johnson approved an
extension on fodng his house at 525 S. 12~' Street.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Gray said she had been contacted by Police Department employees who wanted to
know where their raises were. They said that they walked the streets to get the sales tax passed
that was to fund a raise for police and fire employees. Mayor Johnson said there will be a
proposal at the next City Council meeting for city employee raises.
Councilor Davis complimented the A8P Commission for their efforts in supporting the park
improvements.
Councilor Holt thanked the City Council for their support on the park improvements bond issue
Having no further business to come before the City Council, Councilor Taylor moved, seconded
by Councilor Coleman to adjourn. Upon voice vote, the voting was unanimous. The meeting
adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
PASSED and APPROVED this ~ day of May, 2006.
WILLIAM H. JOHN ,MAYOR
ATTEST:
P ARA, CITY CLERK
Minutes prepared by:
Cindy Gree od, CMC
Sr. Deput ity Clerk